WINTER BIRD FEEDING ©David B. Fankhauser, Ph.D. Professor of Biology and Chemistry University of Cincinnati Clermont College, Batavia OH 45103
This is one example of black oil sunflower from Tractor Supply	This page has been accessed  times since 16 March 2004. 7 Jan 1985

THE FEEDER:
In essence, it is a weather-proof reservoir to hold seed, a rimmed platform onto which the feed is feed, and a feature by which the apparatus is mounted. Usually birds can only be seen on a single side towards the window, and therefore double sided feeders may be less desirable. A large reservoir reduces the number of refill trips through the snow.

LOCATION:
Most important, of course, is that you can see it easily: from the dinner table is our favorite. A distance of 10 to 20 feet works well, but compromises must be made since a tree or pole for mounting may not be available at the preferred distance.  Mount it high enough that local cats do not prey on the birds, but at a height allowing easy filling.  An area in which there is some protective shrubery or branches will bring in more timid birds.  Keep a list of species observed.

SEED:
Although the commonly available "wild bird mix" will do fine, you will soon find that many birds will throw out most seed in favor of sunflower seeds.  For this reason, we either feed 100% black oil Sunflower seeds, or mix 1 part  wild bird mix with 1 part  black oil  sunflower seed (the less expensive).  Some birds appreciate cracked corn.  Wheat does not go over well.  Finches are fond of thistle seed, but a different feeder must be used.  We use either cheesecloth or old nylon hose to hang the seed near or on the feeder.  Be sure that the seed can be plucked out of the hose by piercing repeatedly with a sharp instrument.

SUET:
Birds which eat insects in the summer eagerly consume fat in the winter.  Such birds include woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice and chickadees.  Suet (beef fat) is usually available from butchers (sometimes free), and can be placed in a plastic mesh bag
in which onions are sold.  Hang the bag from the feeder or from a nearby branch.  Cooking fat, poured into a shallow can (tuna, catfood, etc.), and allowed to solidify can be nailed through the bottom of the can to the feeder, or a board or tree.  They will eat it out of the can.


BIRD LIST:
Keep a running tally in your Lab Notebook of new birds you see at your feeder with the following data:

Date                    species                                           which food it was eating